The Denver Cutthroats gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Arizona Sundogs.

No lead was more than one goal during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Steve Kaunisto at 18:49 of the third period.

In a losing effort, Arizona was paced by Brandon Coccimiglio, who had two goals. Coccimiglio scored the first of his two goals at 16:27 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Paul McIlveen assisted on the tally. Coccimiglio's next tally made the score 2-2 with 9:36 left in the third period. The Sundogs had gained a power play chance when Jean-Philipp Chabot was whistled for slashing. Travis Ouellette picked up the assist.

Denver was led by Kaunisto, who finished with one goal.

The Cutthroats kept Arizona's goalie busy throughout the game, and Andrew Engelage made 32 saves on 35 shots.

Denver also got points from Garrett Bembridge, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Denver also got a goal from Matt Glasser as well. Other players who recorded assists for Denver were Matt Ambroz, Troy Schwab, Phil Tesoriero, Kent Patterson, and Aaron MacKenzie, who each chipped in one.

The Sundogs stifled Denver's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Arizona relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as McIlveen, Kevin Baker and Coccimiglio took 21 of the team's 41 shots.

In addition, Arizona received assists from Matt McCready, who had one.

Kent Patterson made 39 saves for the Cutthroats on 41 shots. Denver incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. The Sundogs incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.